Former Auburn receiver scores first time out with Los Angeles Chargers
Updated: Jul. 31, 2025, 11:07 p.m.|Published: Jul. 31, 2025, 10:55 p.m.
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith catches the football against the Detroit Lions during the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.(AP Photo/David Richard)
By Mark Inabinett | minabinett@al.com
The first game on the NFL’s 2025 preseason schedule featured the first pro touchdown for former Auburn wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith and two touchdowns run by former Troy running back Kimani Vidal.
The players did their scoring for the Los Angeles Chargers, who defeated the Detroit Lions 34-7 in the annual Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
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A fifth-round selection in the NFL Draft on April 26, Lambert-Smith had two receptions for 43 yards in his first appearance for the Chargers.
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Los Angeles Chargers Rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith Shines in Hall of Fame Game Debut
CANTON, Ohio – The 2025 NFL preseason kicked off with a resounding victory for the Los Angeles Chargers, who dominated the Detroit Lions 34-7 in the annual Hall of Fame Game. While the game’s outcome holds little significance in the grand scheme of the season, it served as a crucial proving ground for a new crop of rookies and depth players vying for a spot on the 53-man roster. Among those who made an indelible first impression was former Auburn wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who scored his first professional touchdown in his debut.
The Chargers’ offense, led by quarterback Trey Lance for most of the first half, looked sharp and efficient, a promising sign for a team looking to build upon last season’s success. Lance, battling for the backup quarterback role, connected with Lambert-Smith on a 15-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, extending the Chargers’ lead. The play was a testament to the young receiver’s ability to create separation and make a quick, decisive catch. Lambert-Smith’s scoring play came on a slant route, a simple yet effective route that he executed with precision, showcasing the kind of technical skill that made him a fifth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Lambert-Smith’s performance was not limited to the touchdown. In his first appearance for the Chargers, he hauled in two receptions for a total of 43 yards. His other catch was a 24-yard grab that demonstrated his speed and ability to track the ball downfield. This early success is particularly encouraging for a player who is looking to secure a place in a crowded Chargers wide receiver room. The team, under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, has made a concerted effort to bolster its receiving corps, and Lambert-Smith’s impressive start suggests he could be a valuable contributor.
The Chargers’ victory was a team effort, with several other players making their mark. Former Troy running back Kimani Vidal was a standout, finding the end zone twice on the night. Vidal’s punishing running style and knack for finding the end zone added another layer to the Chargers’ offensive attack, providing a glimpse into the team’s depth at the position. On the defensive side, undrafted rookie cornerback Nikko Reed made a highlight-reel play with a 60-yard interception return, setting up one of the team’s early touchdowns. These performances highlight the competitive nature of training camp and the opportunities that the preseason provides for players to showcase their skills.
Lambert-Smith’s journey to the NFL has been one of steady progression. After four seasons at Penn State, he transferred to Auburn for his final collegiate year, where he had his most productive season, recording 50 catches for 981 yards and eight touchdowns. His collegiate career was punctuated by explosive plays, including an 88-yard touchdown in the Rose Bowl that still stands as a record. This ability to make big plays, combined with his solid performance in the Hall of Fame Game, suggests that Lambert-Smith has the tools to make a successful transition to the professional game.
While the Hall of Fame Game is only the first step in a long preseason, Lambert-Smith has already given the Chargers and their fans a lot to be excited about. As the team prepares for the rest of its preseason schedule and the regular season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil, the rookie receiver will look to build on this momentum and solidify his role on the team. His impressive debut is a promising sign for both the player and the organization, as they look to usher in a new era under Coach Harbaugh and compete for a championship. The Chargers’ dominant performance in Canton was a strong statement, and KeAndre Lambert-Smith’s contribution was a key part of that message.
